About Shiro Restaurant

Our customers know that the Restaurant Shiro philosophy is to
pair subtle, yet perfect sauces with only the best ingredients.

Our founder, Hideo
Yamashiro ("Shiro") was born in Okinawa, Japan where he
learned the pleasures of a real, home grown, vine-ripened tomato. His passion
for such subtleties led him to open Restaurant Shiro in 1987.

Following a similar path, Luis
Alfonso Ortega Banuelos, affectionately known to all as "Mota"
came to cooking through his mother in Valparaiso, Zacatecas,
Mexico. As one of seven children, Mota learned to cook early and
well.

In 2004, first server, then long time Manager Sherrill Bailey,
along with Irene Yokoi and Chef Mota became owners of Shiro Restaurant.

Now Chef de Cuisine, Mota carries on the philosophy and aesthetic of Shiro,
allowing simplicity to let the magic of ingredients shine, as well as adding personal
touches that exemplify the beauty of his own heritage. He continues the old school
tradition of personally handpicking only the exceptional for inclusion in his dishes.

Early in the morning Chef Mota personally travels to the downtown Los Angeles fish
market. If the fish isn't perfect, it isn't bought. Restaurants much more expensive,
with much fancier presentations often just do not put such outstanding ingredients on the
plate. It shows: Shiro customers become spoiled to the point that many will not order fish
anywhere else.

While the restaurant is renowned for providing exquisite seafood, one should not miss items
such as our prime charbroiled Ribeye and prime Filet Mignon (sourced from one of Los Angeles'
best butchers, Alexander's Prime Meats, where the meat is dry-aged in-house for 3 weeks). There
are absolutely stunning char-broiled lamb chops marinated in rosemary and garlic. And,
by popular demand the menu nightly features a sauteed Tofu Steak with vegetables and olive oil
sauce for vegetarian patrons.

Many order the whole sizzling catfish served with a ponzu sauce and piles of cilantro.
Restaurant critic Merrill Shindler says:

"
[T]his is one fish you just can't stop eating .... The
fish arrives on a massive platter, with shards of ginger protruding from its
exceedingly crisp skin. It is, simply speaking, the best catfish
anywhere. It may be the best fish for that matter -- I can't think of
another fish in town where I try to eat the bones after I finish with
the meat."

Don't just be seduced by the catfish, however. Depending
on availability, you might find a tuna or snapper carpaccio...or check out
the truly amazing Truffle Ravioli or the glorious Chinese ravioli filled
with salmon mousse and shrimp, served with a smoked salmon sauce or a shiitake mushroom sauce;
perfectly cooked foie gras with poached pear and a port wine reduction sauce, or absolutely marvelous
sweetbreads with a shiitake mushroom sauce.

When impeccable fresh tuna is available, it is prepared just seared. Customers constantly ask when
it will be on the menu, and the answer is: only when the tuna is perfect.

Desserts are also a delight. Chef Mota carries on Shiro's French roots. Imagine baked figs and vanilla
ice cream with an unaccountably delicious balsamic vinegar sauce or the best creme brulee you may ever have.
Or the house specialty of crispy wonton skins with poached pears and raspberry sauce.

Once you have sampled the sheer joy of the exquisite ingredients,
dining elsewhere may never be the same.

Even on your first visit you will be treated as friends. Come to Shiro's for the food, not for haughty
service.